Thursday, February 28, 2019

Review: Kingsbane by Claire Legrand

How will I ever survive waiting for book three? This second book killed me beyond words. I do not know how I will write this review of mine. I'm not sure I have any feelings left, haha. Kingsbane is all kinds of long, and it took me so many days to read it, but I did not mind one bit. Because I loved every word of this lovely book.

I have struggled all day long with writing this review. As I did not know how to begin. I still do not. As this book killed me. In good ways, and bad ways. Gave me so much heartbreak. Completely ruined me. Yet it healed me too. Okay, not too much healing, ha. I hope there will be more of that in book three. Just. Oh my gosh.

I have read Kingsbane. Which is a book I have waited so so long for. A book I have been dying to read for ages and ages. A book I have been so jealous to see everyone reading but me. And now I have gotten to read it too. Sigh. And I am not sure my heart will ever recover from it, haha. I'm not sure I want it to? Hmm. Claire is the most amazing author and person. I love her beyond words. I have been a fan of her since her first book came out, and have read and loved everything by her since then. She is the kindest person. But my gosh, how I'm angry with her right now, haha. Because this sequel to Furyborn ruined me in all the ways. Everything going wrong. There was so much heartbreak and grief. And so much romance. All of it so rude. But so very perfect too.

There is so much that I want to share about this book. But I will not. I will not be sharing spoilers, at least nothing big. Because, gosh, there are so many things I could spoil about this book. But they are all things you must read for yourself. Kingsbane was full of surprises and twists. Most of them bad, haha. But a few happy surprises too, that I loved so very much. As always, the writing was perfection. I had no trouble at all with connecting to the story or the characters. I might have connected a bit too much to everything, ha.

As with the first book, this was told from the point of view of Rielle and Eliana. With a very few other point of views later on in the book. Nothing big, but needed, at least for me. I loved getting inside of their heads too. This book is filled with amazing characters and they were all awesome to read about. Although I love my Rielle and Audric and Eliana the most. Remy is still beyond precious. I'm still the most worried for him. How rude. He was truly adorable in this second book, though, and I simply love him so. Best little brother.

Rielle was my most precious one in book one. In this one she really tested my love for her. I still love her to pieces. But I am so angry with this girl as well. She was so different in this book. The same person, yet different. She is always angry. And cruel too. And way too rash about everything. Yet she is the sweetest toward Audric. And I loved that the very most. But yes. Rielle was an angry creature in this book. And I'm so mad at her. I'm so worried for her, because of how I fear there was a reason for how she behaved. Oh.

This whole book worried me. So many bad things happened. And much worse is yet to come. I'm so not sure how I will survive reading it all, considering I'm still dead after having read this one. Rielle is making me so worried. I love this precious girl so much and I want her to have a happy ending. But I do not know how this will happen. She has done so many bad things now. Then there is Corien. He is there, still awful, but not in this book as much as I had feared. Book three will be worse. My poor heart might not survive it.

Then there was my precious Audric. He is in this book a whole lot. He is still the light of everything. He is always there for Rielle, even when she is doing all the stupid things. He is there and loving her and taking care of her. Their romance is all kinds of intense. And also so lovely. And I ship them beyond words. And I worry for them even more. Audric is my love. My life. And he deserves the whole world. Hmph. There are scenes with the gorgeous godsbeast too, and I loved her to pieces. So truly adorable and cute and fierce.

There was so much of Ludivine too, and she is so complicated, and Rielle treats her so badly in this book, and it just ruined my heart. Okay, I was kind of angry with Ludivine at times, but I still loved her a lot. And she deserved better from Rielle. Hmph. And then there was Simon. I still do not fully love this man, haha. There are too many things we still do not know about him. But he's there, a lot. There is romance. Maybe. And it was written really well. But oh, I want my Eliana with someone else, still, haha. Still. They are cute.

And Simon was written well. And I did like reading about him, truly. I just. I want him as a friend, haha. Yet he was not all bad. But too mysterious. Anyway. Eliana was all kinds of fierce in this second book as well. I loved her inner struggle and such. I loved how she tried her best to save Navi. I loved her friendship with Zahra. I very much loved how she was working with her powers, struggling to understand it all. Trying her best to cope with being the Sun Queen. It was awesome. And I simply adored Eliana. So fierce and cute.

So much is going on in this book. In the past and in the future. There are wars. There are deaths. A whole bunch of stunningly written smut. Amazing friendships and romances. I will not share much about the plot only that it was stunning and so much happened. And I am so curious and so worried and I loved it all so. This whole book ruined me. Beyond words. And I could not help but love it so much. I need the third book more than anything. I fear it will ruin me forever. I cannot wait for it, haha. It will be the best one, I'm sure.

Kingsbane was everything I had wanted it to be and more. Full of danger and adventures and romance. Such stunning relationships and so many plot secrets. It ruined my heart at all moments. And I could not help but love this even more because of that. This second book have made me even more worried about how everything will end. I am so unsure about my happy ending. I don't know how it will happen. I want it to. I need it to. But I am also beyond positive that the third book will hurt me the most of them all first. Ah.

Huge thank you to the publisher, Sourcebooks Fire, for letting me read this most gorgeous book early via Netgalley. I'm so thrilled that I had the chance to read this one early. And oh gosh, I'm getting a print ARC in the mail too, for my collection, and I could not be happier. Sigh. I cannot wait to own all of the finished copies when Kingsbane come out in May. If you have read Furyborn, you truly must read Kingsbane too. It was such a perfect second book. Full of pain. Full of heartbreak. Treasured every moment of reading it.


Wednesday, February 27, 2019

Waiting on Wednesday #385

"Waiting On" Wednesday is a weekly event, hosted by Breaking the Spine, that spotlights upcoming releases that we're eagerly anticipating.

THE GRACE YEAR BY KIM LIGGETT

Goodreads Description:

A speculative thriller in the vein of The Handmaid’s Tale and The Power.

“A visceral, darkly haunting fever dream of a novel and an absolute page-turner. Liggett’s deeply suspenseful book brilliantly explores the high cost of a misogynistic world that denies women power and does it with a heart-in-your-throat, action-driven story that’s equal parts horror-laden fairy tale, survival story, romance, and resistance manifesto. I couldn’t stop reading.” – Libba Bray, New York Times bestselling author

No one speaks of the grace year. It’s forbidden.

Girls are told they have the power to lure grown men from their beds, drive women mad with jealousy. They believe their very skin emits a powerful aphrodisiac, the potent essence of youth, of a girl on the edge of womanhood. That’s why they’re banished for their sixteenth year, to release their magic into the wild so they can return purified and ready for marriage. But not all of them will make it home alive.

Sixteen-year-old Tierney James dreams of a better life—a society that doesn’t pit friend against friend or woman against woman, but as her own grace year draws near, she quickly realizes that it’s not just the brutal elements they must fear. It’s not even the poachers in the woods, men who are waiting for their chance to grab one of the girls in order to make their fortune on the black market. Their greatest threat may very well be each other.

With sharp prose and gritty realism, The Grace Year examines the complex and sometimes twisted relationships between girls, the women they eventually become, and the difficult decisions they make in-between.


Hardcover, 416 pages
Expected publication: September 17th 2019 by Wednesday Books
Pre-Order here and here

I'm so unsure about this book. It looks gorgeous. It sounds exciting and thrilling. But no mention of a romance, and I always want a good romance included too, haha. But I have hope that there might be. Fingers crossed. But even if not, I still think I will enjoy this book. Because it sounds so very good. Eee.
What are you waiting for on this haunting Wednesday?

Saturday, February 23, 2019

In My Mailbox #381

I have been way too lazy this week. Oops. I finished re-reading Furyborn on Tuesday. And I have yet to start my eARC of Kingsbane. Ahh! I'm so nervous. But beyond excited, eee. I'm starting it tonight, and I cannot wait. Yet. Well. Worried, haha. Okay, I haven't really been lazy. Just been exhausted and haven't felt like doing much. Been playing mario kart with nephew all week, and played a bunch of pokemon go, and spent time with sister and baby niece too. So no time left. I'm still waiting on getting my laptop back from service, should get here this coming week, and gosh, I hope so. Because the laptop I'm using right now is actual garbage. Sure, brand new, but the slowest laptop I have ever used. What. I'm unable to do much at all, so still forever behind on everything. Sigh. But yeah. Laptop back next week. So I will finally get to catch up more :) Fingers crossed they have fixed the issue with it. Hmph. Anyway. Only two blog posts this week, as I only read one precious book, and didn't have anything else to post, haha. Did all my posts last week, lol. This week I'm waiting on Serpent & Dove :D Shared my second review of Furyborn. <3 Sigh. My precious. Also got some stunning mail this week, which I'm in love with :D And oh my gosh, waiting on some amazing things. Like.. an print ARC of Kingsbane :D AHHH! I AM SO HAPPY. And so excited. And so thankful. And simply cannot wait to get it and love it and pet it and treasure it always. <3



King of Scars. Haha. I know. I own too many copies :D But all different. B&N edition and UK pback. <3
Bloodwitch. I know, I know. I have yet to read book one. Ahh! But so hoping I will end up loving them :D
The Blood Spell. Eee! Gorgeous hardcover is out, finally. <3 Read it back in August, such a perfect book.
Hunted. Stunning US paperback edition is finally out :D I loved this retelling beyond words. Was amazing.
The Nightmare Before Christmas. I had to order this one when I saw that adorable cover. Love the movie.
Some Girls Are. After buying the wrong book, lol, I finally got the right one :D I love Courtney so much. <3
On the Come Up. Waterstones edition :D I have not read her first book yet, but now I own both. So pretty.
Winnie the Pooh. Everyone seemed to have loved this movie, and now I'll finally get to watch it soon too.
Pop Figures. Look how cute they all are :D Love. And invisible Gollum is just so awesome, haha. Love it.


More Instagram photos here. <3

Wednesday, February 20, 2019

Review: Furyborn by Claire Legrand

This book is so precious to me. Finding words to describe it will not be easy. This is my second time reading this lovely book and I might have loved it even more this time. My love keeps growing every time I see something about these books. And my heart get more and more ruined, haha. So unsure how everything will end.

I am so glad I finally made myself re-read Furyborn. I have been wanting to read it again and again since I read it ages ago. But I have waited. Waited until I could read Kingsbane as well. Which I now can, eee. Though I am not sure I'm ready for that, haha. It will ruin me beyond words, I know. But gosh how I will love it too.

Furyborn was every bit as perfect this second time as it was the first time I read it. And that makes my heart so happy. Because this book is so very precious to me. I love it beyond words. The characters are incredible and I love them to pieces. The world is big and lovely and everything is so well written. And gosh, how I adore the author. Claire is simply my favorite person. Always so kind and lovely and sweet. She is such a fantastic writer too and I have loved each and every one of her books since her first one came out. She is the best. And I own all the copies of every book and have the biggest collection of them all, I'm sure of it. So in love with it all. So anyway. Claire is my favorite person and author. And I adore her. Thrilled that I love her books the most.

Which is why it makes me even more happy that I loved Furyborn so much this second time. Eee. I was a little nervous, as it has happened before that I re-read a book I love and find that I did not love it the same at all. But this was not the case with Furyborn. Because my love has grown. And I'm very thrilled about it. Yet so nervous too, because I am now even more unsure about how everything will end. I still have hope about my happy ending in book three, but I don't know how it will get to it. Hmm. So nervous. So excited.

But yes. Time to actually write about this lovely re-read. I'm struggling a little to put all my thoughts into words. Simply because of how much I loved this book. I do not think I will write all that much about it this second time. I will not share too much about the plot or things like that. Will mostly just write about how much I love this book and these characters and this incredible world. Sigh. And if you have still not read this book then shame on you. Because it is perfection. And you all need to have it in your hearts as well.

This book is told from two different point of views. A thousand years apart, set in different places of this world. Yet these two girls are connected. In the most amazing and horrible way and it killed me to read about it again. I mean, honestly. That first chapter is the most rude thing I have ever read. I cannot deal with it. I need it undone. And I think it can happen. It must happen. Oh, how I hope it will be undone. But anyway. That first chapter is all kinds of horrible and spoilery and beyond perfect. So well written. So evil.

In the past there is Rielle. Best friend of the crown prince, Audric. Best friends with Ludivine too. And the friendship between these three were so perfect. They were adorable together and very close. I loved that. Rielle has magic. Every person in these kingdoms have an element they can master, with an item that let them access their power. But Rielle does not need an item. And she can master all seven elements. That was all kinds of awesome. It has been hidden from everyone, but it's all revealed when she saves Audric.

And so this book is about Rielle having to earn the title of the Sun Queen. Proving that she is the queen that will save them all once the angels return, that she is not the Blood Queen, the one that will doom all of them. Yeah. It is not easy. There are trials for each magic power and it was all interesting and exciting and a bit dangerous too. I loved it so. She have also been in love with Audric for years. And he with her. But they have done nothing about it, for complicated reasons. At least, until now, finally. Sigh. My loves.

The romance between Rielle and Audric pretty much murdered me. It was slow and fast and every kind of perfect. A bit of smut. So well written and sweet and I ship them beyond words. They are perfect for each other. And my heart is breaking because of what is to come. Ahh. Anyway. Rielle was such an interesting person to get to know. A bit dark. A bit light. Often angry, but so loving too. And I loved every part of her. So much. Audric was amazing too, all light, and all in love with Rielle. Precious. They were both the best.

Then there was Eliana, a thousand years into the future. I will not say that much about this girl. Only that I loved her so much more this second time reading the book. She is all kinds of soft, hidden beneath a cold front that she must have to keep her family safe. Which is all she want. So because of that, she is a killer. And though my heart ached because of it, I very much understood why she had made that choice. And I could not help but love her. Sigh. Eliana was precious. A little cold, but fierce and loving and kind as well.

And gosh, how I adored her little brother. Remy was all kinds of cute and sweet. I loved him very much. And I cannot wait to read more about him. I'm nervous, because I need him unhurt. He is too precious. I also very much adored Navi and Zahra. Cannot wait to read more about them. Still unsure about Simon, haha. There are parts of him I could love, I'm sure of it. Yet I feel so unsure about him. Still don't ship him and Eliana. I want my Harkan back. Aw. But gosh, Simon do have an exciting story to tell. Which I liked.

There is so much going on in this book. In the past and in the future. And how it is all connected. There are angels. There is magic. And every part of this book was incredible. There is much I could still share about it that I won't. But gosh, how I loved this plot. It was so rude. So evil. But so much fun too. Reading about Rielle and Audric made my heart happy. I love them so much. And all the other characters too. This whole book just makes me happy. And nervous, haha. But mostly happy. I love it so. With all of my heart.

Ha. I said I would not write a long review. And ended up writing way too much with all the details. Oops. I could not stop once I started. Which I am happy about, as I feared I would not find any words to write this review at all. I simply had to share all my thoughts about this book. Yet there are still so so much that I did not share. Furyborn killed me. So much. And I loved every moment of it. This book is all kinds of perfect and I love it beyond words. It's epic and exciting and romantic and evil and so good. Every kind of perfect.

I think I'm ready to read Kingsbane now. I am not sure I will survive it. But I will try. And gosh, how I hope I will love it beyond words too. I'm so nervous. Yet fully confident in Claire and her writing. I know she will hurt my heart. But I know she will heal it too. So yeah. I cannot wait to read the rest of this series. I am so nervous. So excited. It will be the very best, I'm sure of it. Furyborn was once again everything I wanted it to be and more. I really truly hope you have all read this precious book by now too. It is not to be missed.

"This is how you hold your child. This is how you murder your husband."


Waiting on Wednesday #384

"Waiting On" Wednesday is a weekly event, hosted by Breaking the Spine, that spotlights upcoming releases that we're eagerly anticipating.

SERPENT & DOVE BY SHELBY MAHURIN

Goodreads Description:

For her sixteenth birthday, Louise le Blanc’s mother gave her three things: a sacrificial altar, a ritual knife, and a wicked scar.

Lou’s death would have ended the ancient war between the Church and witches, but Lou refuses to become a martyr. Forsaking her coven, she escapes to the gloomy city of Cesarine and hides her magic as a thief in the criminal underworld. But life in Cesarine has its own dangers. Huntsmen roam the city revered as holy men. Witches burn without trial. And the Archbishop, the Church’s austere patriarch, revels in violence.

As a huntsman, Reid Diggory lives by one verse: thou shalt not suffer a witch to live.

He's devoted his entire life to eradicating the occult and making his surrogate father, the Archbishop, proud. Finally given the chance to capture a witch of his own, Reid is devastated when a foul-mouthed thief thwarts him—and doubly devastated when she too disappears. Hell-bent on bringing her to justice, Reid vows she won't escape again. But when Lou tricks him into public scandal trying to avoid capture, the two are forced into an impossible situation—marriage.

Marriage to a huntsman could provide real protection from the witches—if Lou can convince Reid she isn’t one herself. The secret proves difficult to keep as Lou begins practicing magic in secret within the heart of the Church, determined to prepare for her mother’s inevitable return. As time passes, however, Lou discovers yet another danger lurking: her own growing feelings for her husband. But Reid is still dangerous. He’s just as likely to tie her to the stake as defend her if he learns her true identity. With enemies closing in—and more than her own life at stake—Lou must decide who she can trust before it's too late…and she's not the only one with a secret.
 


Hardcover, 528 pages
Expected publication: September 3rd 2019 by HarperTeen
Pre-Order here and here

When I saw this cover, I had to read the summary. And now I am all kinds of curious. My gosh. This book sounds awesome. It sounds like the romance can be so great too. And ahh. I need this book in my life. If it shows up on Edelweiss, I will get it and read it and hopefully love it. I so hope this book will be epic :D
What are you waiting for on this devoted Wednesday?

Saturday, February 16, 2019

In My Mailbox #380

Hello. I read Aurora Rising this week. Eee. And I loved it so :D But also only read that, haha, so still a little behind. <3 But it was such a good book to read. Sigh. And oh my gosh. I'm re-reading Furyborn next. And reading an eARC of Kingsbane after that. What. I'm not ready. Ahh. But SO EXCITED. Still need the print ARC more than anything, though. Oh. Anyway. This week have been pretty exhausting. Turned my laptop in for service, second time, on Monday. It still haven't arrived at the service place. Uugh. Trying to survive without it. Did a different version of borrowing a laptop to use while I wait, and I regret it so, hah, because this brand new HP laptop I use right now is the slowest ever. Unsure why. Probably to annoy me to death. But anyway. Hoping to find time to catch up more shortly. Fingers crossed. I also had my hospital visit this week, which is always exhausting. But went okay, like always. And gosh. So so many new blog posts this week, aaack :) Could not help myself from sharing a bunch of things, haha. <3 First I shared the cover for Five Dark Fates :D I shared the title reveal for Renegades #3. <3 This week I'm waiting on The End and Other Beginnings :) I posted my review of Aurora Rising :D I shared the UK cover reveal for Darkdawn :) And finally posted my review of The Deceivers for the blog tour. <3 I also got a bunch of stunning books this week that I love, eee :D So much awesome, always. <3 Okay, a bit too much, as always, ugh. I need more room. Sobs. I do not have more room. Hmph. Anyway. Please leave a comment if you have time :)



King of Scars. Waterstones signed copy :D Love! And international paperback. Both are very gorgeous.
The Triumphant. Okay, I have only read book one, but now I own them all, haha :D And I will read them.
The Waning Age. Eee. I adore this author :D Simply cannot wait to read this new one. Seems awesome.
How To Train Your Dragon 3. More of these precious books, haha. I simply love them so much. So pretty.
Warrior of the Wild Swag. Eee! Thank you so much Tricia for this most stunning pre-order swag :D Love.
Sawkill Girls bookmark. I adore this pretty bookmark. Thank you so much Beth for trading this with me :)






Kingsbane. EEE! Huge thank you to the lovely Sourcebooks for letting me read this most gorgeous thing early via Netgalley :D Ahh! I cannot wait to start it. Have already peeked, haha. Could not help myself :) I will be re-reading Furyborn first, tomorrow, and my god, I am so excited. Kingsbane will be so perfect. Eee.







We Hunt the Flame. Ahh! Look at this most gorgeous thing :D I'm autoapproved by Macmillan on Netgalley, but not for wishes only, which this book have been for ages. But saved the link, and have been checking often, and suddenly I could download it, ahh :D I am SO excited to be reading this stunning thing later this month.


More Instagram photos here. <3

Friday, February 15, 2019

The Deceivers Blog Tour: Review + Giveaway

So thrilled to be taking part in the blog tour for The Deceivers by Kristen Simmons today :D Eee. Thank you to Jean at Jean Booknerd for letting me take part in this tour. <3 See the full tour schedule post here. Today I'm sharing my five star review of this book :D I read it about two weeks ago, and my god, it was so perfect. This book was all kinds of fun and dangerous. I loved the main girl. I loved the plot. The romance was so cute. You are all going to love this book too. See my full review below. And enter at the end of the post to win ten copies of it :D International. Have you read this precious book yet? If not, you must do so.



This book surprised me. I had hoped that I would enjoy it, as I adore this author, but I was not expecting to love it. Which I ended up doing. And I am beyond happy about it. As this book was so very good and I loved every moment of it. Contemporary books are most often not my thing, which is why I was nervous about starting this one. Yet it sounded interesting. And I'm so glad I gave it a try. I could not stop reading. And there was not a single part of this book that I did not like. So happy about it. Everything was so good.

There is so much I loved about this book that I do not know where to begin. And writing reviews for books I love is always the hardest. It is almost impossible to find words, other than I loved it, haha. But I will try. Because I do have a whole lot to say about this precious thing and I wish to share all my feelings about it. A big thing that made me love this book so much was the writing. It was perfection. I felt connected right away and it was just written so well. Reading this book was easy and fun and I adored all the characters.

This book tells the story of Brynn. She lives in a poorer part of the city with her mom and her boyfriend. I loved her mother a whole bunch. She was adorable. I wish she had made better choices with her life, yet I understood her too, somewhat, and I liked her. She and Brynn was close, and I loved that. But gosh, the stepdad, Pete, was not a good person. He sells drugs. And is violent. Brynn is trying her hardest to save up enough money so that she can get away, so she can go to college and finally be free of this bad man.

And oh, the way she goes about making money was all kinds of interesting. She scams rich teenagers out of their money. I liked the way she did it. Okay, it was a little cruel, but interesting and I loved that it worked. Getting to know Brynn was amazing. Because I loved this girl. From beginning to end. She was always precious to me and that means the most. I loved how she grew in this book, that she grew more confident. Though she was always brave and awesome And fierce and loving. And a good friend, mostly.

This book is about her life. About someone finding her, and offering her the chance of going to a special school. A school where she will live at the place and get everything she needs. Where she will have the chance to get a scholarship to college. And it will not cost her a single dollar. Yet it is not free. Because this is a school for con artists. Where the principal, the man giving all these twenty teenagers a home, is making them do things for him. Learn secrets. Steal personal things. It was pretty intriguing to read about.

This man is also keeping secrets. Not everything is as safe as it seems. Yet this new place where Brynn now lives is an amazing place as well. She gets to meet some new people and makes real friends. It was so great to read about. And I adored the friends she made. Charlotte was so cute and just awesome. And Henry was the very best. I loved how good of a friend he was. Sam was cute as well. And then there was Caleb. Sigh. Loved him so. He and Brynn starts talking right away. And they are very cute together. Eee.

Okay, they do talk right away, then spend some time ignoring each other, before they finally starts getting close again. I loved their friendship beyond words. And their growing romance. It was the cutest thing and I adored them to pieces. There was no drama. There was no mid-book-break-up. This romance was real and honest and they fit together so well. I loved how they talked to each other. And how they grew to trust each other. It was not such a huge part of the book, and I always wanted more, but it was also so perfect.

There is much going on in this book. And I feel like I have already written so much yet not nearly enough. I will not be sharing much more. Only that I adored these characters to pieces. And the story was so very interesting too and I always wanted to know what would happen next. Brynn is tasked with getting closer to this boy, learning all his secrets. It could have been romantic. But it was not. Not even a little bit. And I loved that the very most. Sigh. No triangle. No drama. Her target was a little creepy and little interesting.

So much happens with the plot. There is more about Brynn's past. We get to know Caleb a lot, and get to know his family, and that just ruined my heart a little. I loved every moment of it. There was just so much I loved about this book. And I'm unable to find more words for it. The ending was so good. Okay, I so wish there was an epilogue, as I need to know everything that happened after, but I loved it too. But yes. I very much wish to read more about Brynn and Caleb and all their friends too. Loved them so. And want more.

The Deceivers was everything I wanted in a book. Okay, it wasn't fantasy, but it had everything else. This book was fun and exciting and a bit creepy as well. It had the cutest romance and such great friendships. The writing was incredible. The ending was amazing. This book was so good and I need you all to read it too. Right away. Huge thank you to Tor Teen for accepting my request to read this one early via Netgalley. And to Jean for letting me take part in the blog tour for this. And to Kristen for writing this truly lovely story.



Pretty Little Liars meets Ocean's 11 in this intrigue-filled contemporary drama from acclaimed author Kristen Simmons.

Welcome to Vale Hall, the school for aspiring con artists.

When Brynn Hilder is recruited to Vale, it seems like the elite academy is her chance to start over, away from her mom's loser boyfriend and her rundown neighborhood. But she soon learns that Vale chooses students not so much for their scholastic talent as for their extracurricular activities, such as her time spent conning rich North Shore kids out of their extravagant allowances.

At first, Brynn jumps at the chance to help the school in its mission to rid the city of corrupt officials--because what could be better than giving entitled jerks what they deserve? But that's before she meets her mark--a senator's son--and before she discovers the school's headmaster has secrets he'll stop at nothing to protect. As the lines between right and wrong blur, Brynn begins to realize she's in way over head.








KRISTEN SIMMONS is the author of the ARTICLE 5 series, THE GLASS ARROW, and METALTOWN. She has worked with survivors of abuse and trauma as a mental health therapist, taught Jazzercise in five states, and is forever in search of the next best cupcake. Currently she lives in Cincinnati, Ohio with her husband, where she spends her days supporting the caffeine industry and chasing her delightfully rambunctious son.

Where to find Kristen Simmons:





GIVEAWAY. International. Must be 13+ to enter. Hosted by JBN.
10 winners will get a copy of The Deceivers by Kristen Simmons.


Blog Tour Schedule here.

WEEK ONE
FEBRUARY 4th MONDAY JeanBookNerd GUEST POST
FEBRUARY 4th MONDAY The Eater of Books! TENS LIST
FEBRUARY 5th TUESDAY MetalPhantasmReads EXCERPT
FEBRUARY 6th WEDNESDAY We Live and Breathe Books REVIEW
FEBRUARY 6th WEDNESDAY Movies, Shows, & Books EXCERPT
FEBRUARY 7th THURSDAY Book Rambler REVIEW
FEBRUARY 7th THURSDAY TFAULC Book Reviews EXCERPT
FEBRUARY 8th FRIDAY Casia's Corner REVIEW

FEBRUARY 8th FRIDAY Insane About Books SPOTLIGHT

WEEK TWO
FEBRUARY 11th MONDAY A Dream Within A Dream REVIEW
FEBRUARY 11th MONDAY The Candid Cover REVIEW
FEBRUARY 12th TUESDAY Wishful Endings REVIEW & INTERVIEW
FEBRUARY 5th TUESDAY BookHounds YA REVIEW
FEBRUARY 13th WEDNESDAY A Court of Coffee and Books REVIEW
FEBRUARY 13th WEDNESDAY Literary Meanderings EXCERPT
FEBRUARY 14th THURSDAY Sabrina's Paranormal Palace REVIEW
FEBRUARY 15th FRIDAY Nay's Pink Bookshelf REVIEW
FEBRUARY 15th FRIDAY Carina's Books REVIEW

Thursday, February 14, 2019

Cover Reveal: UK Darkdawn by Jay Kristoff

Is it September yet? I feel like I have waited forever and ever for this final book to come, haha. Nevernight was special and perfect for me. I did not feel the same about Godsgrave. Still angry about the romance. I will never not be. But gosh. I am still dying to read Darkdawn :D I have hope. I have hope that Jay will fix what he broke, haha. Crossing all my fingers, at least. And oh my gosh. Sharing the UK cover for it today. And my god. It is perfection. Eee. So so pretty. Love the cat. Love all the details. Love how pretty all three look together. Sigh. I also own all the special editions, all the regular editions and all the ARCs. Yess. My collection is the best. <3 Anyway. I am dying for Darkdawn. And yet there is no book but Godsgrave that have hurt me so much. Every time I think of it, my heart breaks all over again. I try not to think of it, haha. But Nevernight was so good. And I still love it the most. So yes. I'm dying for Darkdawn. And cannot wait to own all the editions of it, eee. Just. Gosh. This one is the best of them all for me :D What do you think?


Discover the bloody end of Mia Corvere’s story as internationally bestselling author Jay Kristoff brings The Nevernight Chronicle to its epic conclusion.

The greatest games in Godsgrave’s history have ended with the most audacious murders in the history of the Itreyan Republic.

Mia Corvere, gladiatii, escaped slave, and infamous assassin, is on the run. Pursued by Blades of the Red Church and soldiers of the Luminatii legion, she may never escape the City of Bridges and Bones alive. Her mentor Mercurio is now in the clutches of her enemies. Her own family wishes her dead. And her nemesis, Consul Julius Scaeva, stands but a breath from total dominance over the Republic.

But beneath the city, a dark secret awaits. Together with her lover Ashlinn, brother Jonnen, and a mysterious benefactor returned from beyond the veil of death, she must undertake a perilous journey across the Republic, seeking the final answer to the riddle of her life. Truedark approaches. Night is falling on the Republic for perhaps the final time.

Can Mia survive in a world where even daylight must die?

New York Times and internationally bestselling author Jay Kristoff’s writing has been praised by critics and readers alike and has won many awards, including four Aurealis Awards, an ABIA, and David Gemmell Morningstar and Legend awards.



Wednesday, February 13, 2019

Review: Aurora Rising by Jay Kristoff & Amie Kaufman

This book was every bit as perfect as I expected it to be. Okay, I was not sure what this book would be like. But I adore these two authors so much. I hoped it would be like Illuminae. It was. Just as good. Just as exciting. Despite being written the normal way, haha. This one was everything I wanted it to be and much more.

And because of that it will probably be impossible for me to find the right words to write this review. It always is, with books that I love. My love for Aurora Rising was all kinds of huge. The writing was perfection. The world created was incredible. The characters were different and so much fun and I adored them all very much.

This story was simply the best. And I will try my best to figure out how to describe how much I loved it and why. Will start by saying that the ending killed me, haha. Which is so usual with these two authors. How rude. Though I will admit that this ending was more rude than any of their previous books, as I know this ending was final. Such a cliffhanger. Yet not. Beyond exciting too. The ending was epic. But it was heartbreaking and rude too. And it made me pretty much die to get my hands on book two. I must know everything that happens next. Okay, I will write about the beginning of the book now, lol. I just wanted to mention how much I loved that truly evil ending. Though I must say that I loved every part of this book. I fell completely in love with all of these characters.

This story is somewhat told from seven point of views. Which usually is a bit too much for me. But it was perfect for this book. And I loved every single one of them. One of the point of views was a bunch shorter than the others, only a few sentences. But I loved her too. Although I have my favorites of the characters, I loved them all. And getting to know them was the best thing. I will be sharing a little about what I loved about each of them. I will not share too much about the plot. Only that I loved it so. It was written so well.

This book takes place in space, far into the future. It begins with Tyler, the goldenboy at Aurora Academy. He have been the best at everything, and will get first picks for his squad before they get their important missions around the galaxy. It's the night before graduation, and Tyler cannot sleep. So he goes out flying in space. And he ends up hearing a distress call from a ship that have been missing for over two hundred years. Everyone on board is dead. Except for a single person. Whom Tyler risk his life to save, of course.

And so missing his chance at first squad picks. But he did save the girl. And ended up with his sister and best friend on his squad. Along with three others that no one else wanted. That was all kinds of amazing, to be honest. They do not fit together. At all. But they must work together, as they are all important. It do take time, but gosh, how I grew to love these special people. And how they grew to care for each other. I love how they learned to work together, to listen to each other. They were all so awesome. I loved them.

But yes. To be fully honest, Tyler was my favorite of all the characters. He was too adorable. And a born leader. And good at pretty much everything. Except not really. Because he is flawed as well. And that just made me love him more. I loved how he tried his best to take care of them all. I simply loved him. His twin sister was Scarlett. And this girl was so beyond amazing. So fierce and smart and I loved her to pieces. I loved how she pretty much always knew what to do. Felt like she held the group together. Adored her so.

Then there was Aurora. That gorgeous girl on the cover. The girl that fell asleep over two hundred years ago and just woke up. My gosh. It was fully complicated. I loved her like crazy. She was incredible. And getting to know her was so good. She was a bit scary, because of things happening with her. It was truly awesome. And her past was so great too. Always something new to learn about her and I loved that. Auri was simply awesome. She is going through so much, and she is being the bravest about it all. Loved that.

There was also Finian, whom I was so unsure about at first. He is always making jokes and being kind of rude. But then we get his chapters. And they were incredible. I loved getting to know this boy. And oh. My heart was always aching for him. I shipped him and someone, and I hope they happen, eee. Would love it so. Loved getting to know him. Then there was Zila. There was so little about this girl. And so I didn't love her, not yet, but I hope there will be much more of her. She seemed scary yet so fierce and awesome too.

Cat was the best friend of Tyler and Scarlett. And also completely in love with Tyler. And oh gosh. Their past pretty much killed me, getting to know a little more about it through the whole book. I shipped them. Yet not, because she was all kinds of jealous and it hurt my heart a lot to read about that. There was not enough about Cat in this book. I wanted to know her more. Yet she was so interesting to read about too. Did not like how she behaved around Auri, though. It was fully rude. But she got better. Well, somewhat.

The last character was Kal. The elf of this space, lol. And I can't. I could not decide if I was supposed to love him or hate him. It started out as a dislike, haha, but I am pretty sure I ended up loving him a great bunch. He was so complicated. His customs was complicated. Yet beyond interesting and exciting and I wanted to know more about him and his family and his people. Yet he was all kinds of angry and weird at times too. But also sweet at times. And hmm. I think that I will love him so much more in the second book.

Gosh. I have already written way too much about this book. Yet I have barely written anything about the plot. So much is going on. There is space. A bunch of flying. A party. A most creepy planet that freaked me out beyond words. Those final chapters were truly good but so evil and I loved it the most. The world building in this book was done so well. The characters were done so well. The secrets that were revealed were way too rude. And I simply cannot wait to read what happens in the next books. I'm so very excited.

Aurora Rising was everything I had hoped that it would be. So exciting and thrilling. Filled with incredible characters that I fell in love with right away. This story ruined my heart but I loved it more than anything. This book was so good. And I'm so glad that I read it. I'm sharing a quote that I loved beyond words at the end of this review. It make me so happy to read it again and again, haha. Since this is an ARC, the quote may not be final. It might change. But oh, how I hope it will stay. The book was gorgeous and I loved it so.

Huge thank you to the UK publisher, Rock the Boat, for sending me a free ARC of this book to read and review. I am so thrilled and so thankful that I was able to read this book early. My collection have started, haha. Cannot wait to own all the editions of this most precious book. It is coming out in May, and you all need to get this book in your life. You will love it. And curse it too. Aurora Rising is a book everyone must read. Completely thrilling and exciting and so very evil. I loved every moment of this book. It was so good.

we the legion
we the light
burning bright against the night


Waiting on Wednesday #383

"Waiting On" Wednesday is a weekly event, hosted by Breaking the Spine, that spotlights upcoming releases that we're eagerly anticipating.

THE END AND OTHER BEGINNINGS BY VERONICA ROTH

Goodreads Description:

Bestselling Divergent and Carve the Mark author Veronica Roth delivers a stunning collection of novella-length stories set in the future, illustrated with startling black-and-white artwork.

No world is like the other. Within this masterful collection, each setting is more strange and wonderful than the last, brimming with new technologies and beings. And yet, for all the advances in these futuristic lands, the people still must confront deeply human problems.

In these six stories, Veronica Roth reaches into the unknown and draws forth something startlingly familiar and profoundly beautiful.

With tales of friendship and revenge, plus two new stories from the Carve the Mark universe, this collection has something for new and old fans alike. Each story begins with a hope for a better end, but always end with a better understanding of the beginning.

With beautifully intricate black-and-white interior illustrations and a uniquely designed package, this is the perfect gift for book lovers.


Hardcover, 272 pages
Expected publication: October 1st 2019 by Katherine Tegen Books
Pre-Order here and here

I still pretty much adore this author. Divergent was my favorite book for a long time. And I liked Carve the Mark a bunch, though I haven't read the sequel yet. But soon. But gosh. These six short stories already sounds awesome and I cannot wait to read all of them :D They shall be so good, I'm sure of it. And gosh. That cover is so very pretty. I love it. And I simply cannot wait to own this book this fall. <3 I'm so excited.
What are you waiting for on this future Wednesday?

Monday, February 11, 2019

Title Reveal: Renegades #3 by Marissa Meyer

Eee. The title for the third Renegades book by Marissa Meyer has been revealed :D And gosh. It is so so awesome. Supernova is such a great title. And I love how all three look together. SO PRETTY. And gosh, I cannot wait to see the cover too :D It shall be so good. Though, confession, I haven't read Archenemies yet. Ahh! But I will. Very soon. Will re-read Renegades first. <3 Was thinking I could wait until Supernova is out, then realized that it is actually forever until November, and so I will be doing my re-read and read of Archenemies before that. I am so nervous about this book, though. I want all the best for the romance. And it worries me, haha. I do think there will be a happy ending :D I'm just hoping it will come before the end of the book, lol. But yeah. I'm super excited about Supernova. And cannot wait to own all the editions of this precious book too. What do you think of the title? Have you read Renegades? :D If not, you must.


All's fair in love and anarchy...

The epic conclusion to Marissa Meyer's thrilling Renegades Trilogy finds Nova and Adrian struggling to keep their secret identities concealed while the battle rages on between their alter egos, their allies, and their greatest fears come to life. Secrets, lies, and betrayals are revealed as anarchy once again threatens to reclaim Gatlon City.








Sunday, February 10, 2019

Cover Reveal: Five Dark Fates by Kendare Blake

EEE! I am SO excited about this book :D And gosh! There is a title! And it isn't Four first, hahaha. I love it :D And the cover. Gosh. It is so very pretty. Eee. I love it the most. I tried to put all four together below, but ha. It is impossible to find the same color black on each of the covers. Did a bunch of searching. They are all out in different colors, lol. So posting those that I found that looks best, I think :) All that matters is that the printed copies looks great, and that they do. <3 There is no summary for this yet, but hopefully soon. It's coming out on September 3rd. It's the fourth and final book in the Three Dark Crowns series. And it is going to be epic. And probably ruin me for life, haha. I'm so nervous. But so excited. Cannot wait to know how everything ends, eee. Just, gosh, I love this cover. <3 What do you think? Isn't it just perfect? Eee :D


UNITE THE QUEENS. DESTROY THE CROWN.



Saturday, February 9, 2019

In My Mailbox #379

I got the most stunning book in the mail this week. EEE. And a whole bunch of other lovely things, haha :D All of it so perfect. <3 And I read such a great book too. Eee. And starting my new one later today :D SO excited. But also a bit sad this week, as it is another week I do not have Kingsbane. Sigh. And I have to turn in my laptop on Monday for another service. Ahh. Will take about three weeks. I'm not sure how I will survive with the old one I have. It's the worst. Ugh. But I will make it. Probably. Only a couple of blog posts this week, as I have not done much reading or much of anything else, lol. This week I'm waiting on When She Reigns :) I shared my review of House of Salt and Sorrows, eee. <3 I still have much catching up to do. But I am working on it. And slowly getting things done. This week was exhausting but good too. Reading Aurora Rising next, and I'm so nervous and so excited and so thankful and my god. I can't wait. 

ARC of Song for a Whale Giveaway. International. Ends 02/14.


King of Scars. First copies have arrived :D UK and US hardcovers. They are both very gorgeous. Love.
Courting Darkness. Eee, first hardcover :D And it is huge. And gorgeous. And soft. And I love it the most.
Wires and Nerve 1&2. Such stunning paperbacks. These graphic novels were beyond good. Loved them.
The Severed Moon. Eee, this journal is so very stunning :D And tiny. And just so gorgeous. I love it tons.
The Cerulean. This book was pretty good, good enough for me to want a pretty hardcover of it, haha :)
The Unwanteds. Another new book by Lisa :D I am so behind on them, ahh. Will read them soonish. <3
The Deceivers. Eee, this book was so good. And the hardcover of it is so very pretty. You need this book.
Aurora Rising. OH MY GOD. Thank you the very most to the publisher, Rock the Boat, for this truly most gorgeous UK ARC :D Ahhh! I am dying. And beyond excited. And so thankful. Cannot wait to read it. Eee.
Beyond a Darkened Shore. Thank you Julia for trading with me :D Love the swag and the special edition.
A Room Away From the Wolves + The Darkdeep. Thank you to Kristin for trading :D I love these ARCs.
Daughter of Dusk. Eee! Thank you soso much Skye for trading with me :D Last ARC I needed. <3 Love.
How To Train Your Dragon 3. More of these gorgeous books, haha :D But oh, how I need this movie too.
Pop Figures. Eee, special Aragorn :D Love. And a bunch of Moana. They are all so very precious to me.
The Deceivers Swag. Eee, thank you Kristen :D This stunning swag from the book is so very awesome.


More Instagram photos here. <3

Thursday, February 7, 2019

Review: House of Salt and Sorrows by Erin A. Craig

The moment I saw the cover for this book I knew I had to have it. I then read that most thrilling summary and was even more sold on this book. And then I had the most amazing luck possible and won a personalized annotated ARC of it from Erin. Oh my god it is beautiful. Simply couldn't resist reading it as soon as possible.

Which I don't regret for even a moment. Because this book was completely amazing. And I loved it a whole bunch. I am giving it four stars, although I loved it, it was not fully perfect. But almost. And I will remember this book for ages and ages. And will read it again. And own all the copies of it. It was so beyond good. Sigh.

There is so much going on in this story. And I do not know where I will begin. It's a book filled with secrets and twists. Full of death and danger. Filled with so many sisters and their relationships. It was the cutest. It had an adorable romance too, for the main girl. Which had a twist too. Which I loved. I didn't guess anything that happened at the end of the book, haha, and I loved that beyond words. It was awesome to be so surprised. Also rude, because of the deaths, but I loved how things were explained in this book. It was done so well. And oh, the writing was gorgeous. Did not have any issues connecting with this story or the characters. Which were so good. I will be sharing some of my thoughts for this book. A little bit of the plot. No spoilers. At least nothing big.

This book tells the story of Annaleigh. She lives in a manor by the sea. Her father has a lot of money, so she and her sisters have all they could ever need. Except each other. Their mother died after giving birth to the latest girl, six years ago, making the sisters twelve in total. Such a big family. But four of the sisters are dead. And everyone says the Thaumas family is cursed. Which each of the girls slowly starts to feel like is true. Was pretty heartbreaking to read about, honestly. They all love each other so much, though.

And reading about these sisters was the very best. I will not mention their names, because they were so many, but I adored each and every one of them. Even those that were dead. I loved getting to know more about all of them. Although, yes, Annaleigh was my favorite, and I loved that the book was from her point of view. Her relationship with her sisters was so adorable. I loved their cute fairy shoes. All of the dresses and balls. They find a hidden door leading to a different place. And so very much happens with that. Ack.

There is so much going on in this book. The plot is big. And so good. I will not mention much about it, to be honest. Four sisters are dead. Their father has a new wife, whom is pregnant with twins. I somewhat liked this woman. She was interesting at least. Their father was a bit up and down. A good dad, mostly, I think. But the very best part was just reading about the sisters spending time together. Mourning the dead ones. And trying to figure out if there truly was a curse and how they could avoid not being the next to die.

This book takes place in the past. And I loved that. Books that feel historical are always fun to read. I also loved all the weather in this book. I loved how it took place by the sea. It's all kinds of creepy at times and I liked that too, a whole lot. There is so much I could say about this book. Yet I have already said way too much. Yet almost nothing about the plot. You simply have to read it yourself to know it. Everything should be experienced without knowing what happens next. So so many surprises. Some good, most bad, haha.

This book is full of magic. Okay, only a little magic, but it was stunning and done so well. I loved it. I also loved the small mentions of different gods in this world. It was interesting to read about, as they were so different, and so awesome. Religion is not for me, but the gods in this one would have been, haha. There was so much to get to know in this book. And I loved figuring it all out. There is a secret about the balls at midnight in a different place. About what happens to their shoes when they dance. Was good and creepy.

There is romance in this book. Annaleigh meets a boy named Cassius. Whom she likes right away. They get to spend a few moments together, and those moments were the cutest. I simply adored reading about these two together. The romance is small but was important too. I wanted all the happiness for Annaleigh. And gosh, how I loved getting to know Cassius. He was awesome. And full of secrets too. Learning them all was fun. I wish there had been even more of the boy, though, haha. I loved him. And shipped them so.

Another thing that I really loved, was that this book reminded me of The Haunting of Hill House, the show. And The Uninvited movie, which I need to re-watch immediately. I loved that this was somewhat similar to both. And I love all three, haha. This book was unique and different, yet it reminded me of this show and movie, and it was done really well. This is a book telling the story of twelve sisters. It also reminded me of Entwined, the book, too. Which was also great. There was just so much to love in this story. All amazing.

The reasons for why this book is a four star for me is because I felt like it all could have been even more creepy, haha. I was not as scared as I wanted to be. Although, yes, it did scare me at times. And was so creepy and lovely. I also found there to be a bit too many descriptions of things. As I always lose a bit of focus when there is too much described, lol. But the writing was beautiful. So I did not mind it too much. And I also wanted the ending to be a little longer, haha. But other than that, this book was perfect to me.

And I really need you all to read it when it comes out in August. Or before, if you have the chance for that. House of Salt and Sorrows was every bit as lovely as I had hoped that it would be. Dangerous, romantic and full of stunning sister relationships. It was written so well. And the world this book was set in was just stunning. This book was so good and I pretty much loved it. So thrilled I had the chance to read it early. I cannot wait to own the gorgeous hardcover too, when it comes out. You all need this book in your life too.